Fyffe running back Kyle Dukes follows his blockers on a run against Collinsville on Friday. Photo courtesy of Cinthia Rico, Fort Payne Times-Journal.
Staff Reports
COLLINSVILLE – The Fyffe Red Devils scored touchdowns on all five of their first-half possessions and added a pick-6 to take a 54-0 victory at Collinsville in Class 3A, Region 7 football action on Friday night.
The second-ranked Red Devils’ first score was set up on a blocked punt, which led to a Kyle Dukes’ 1-yard touchdown run. Ike Rowell then added a 37-yard interception return for a score, and a 14-0 Red Devil edge. Malachi Mize capped the first-quarter scoring with his 21-yard touchdown run.
Rowell opened the second-quarter scoring with a 62-yard touchdown run. He led the Red Devils (2-0, 1-0) with 86 yards rushing.
Justin Stiefel and Brodie Hicks added touchdown runs of 19 and 29 yards for a 41-0 halftime advantage.
Hunter Machen scored on runs of 8 and 23 yards in the third and fourth quarters respectively for the final.
“Our kids came out with great intensity,” Fyffe coach Paul Benefield said. “I thought our defense played great as usual. We were steady and fundamentally sound. I thought it was a great team effort.”
Fyffe finished with 381 yards rushing to 33 for the Panthers (2-1, 0-1). The Red Devils collected 24 first downs. Collinsville finished with four first downs.
Collinsville coach Daniel Garrett said the Panthers must learn to handle adversity.
“We had two bad things happen at the beginning of the game, and they were my fault,” he said. “We have the potential to be a great team, but we aren’t there yet.”
Collinsville travels to Brindlee Mountain on Friday, while Fyffe hosts Sylvania.
